1
as in to push
to apply force to (someone or something) so that it moves in front of one
playfully he propelled his rambunctious friend into the swimming pool to cool off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to move
to set or keep in motion
the aircraft is propelled by a pair of turboprop engines
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of propel
As President of 20th Century Fox, Parker propelled Marvel’s X-Men franchise during his run, yielding such hits X2 (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
—
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
The Kissimmee teenager went missing in late February 2024, propelling a massive four-day search by law enforcement that captivated Central Florida until her body was found in a wooded area near St. Cloud.
—Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
President Biden and a Democratic Congress took power in 2021 with a bold plan to propel the nation out of the pandemic, revitalize American industry and bolster the working class.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
That performance propelled Leigh to its fourth victory in five games.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025
The Kissimmee teenager went missing in late February 2024, propelling a massive four-day search by law enforcement that captivated Central Florida until her body was found in a wooded area near St. Cloud.
—Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
President Biden and a Democratic Congress took power in 2021 with a bold plan to propel the nation out of the pandemic, revitalize American industry and bolster the working class.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
That performance propelled Leigh to its fourth victory in five games.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for propel
Verb
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For the past week, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have repeatedly pushed unsubstantiated claims that dead Americans listed as 150 or older are receiving Social Security payments.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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The double-sided single is being pushed to radio just as the first cut from the full-length earns a moment in the spotlight.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This means moving between vertical levels of a map or jumping from one side of an area to the other can be done in one smooth fluid motion, creating a high-octane competitive environment.—
Echo Apsey,
Rolling Stone,
26 Feb. 2025
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The start of a new year is a time for planning, embracing change and moving forward.—
Kristjan Vilosius,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Jersey-wearing bros shoved one another in amazement or excitement.—
Brody Miller,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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Also in the car: two Ecuadorians and a Brazilian woman, seen earlier being shoved into the Toyota, according to the federal complaint.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The severity of this year’s flu season is driven by a combination of factors, experts suggested.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Revenues for the three-month period rose 5 percent to $2.2 billion, ahead of the $2.11 billion analysts projected and were driven by progress at Coach, Tapestry’s biggest brand.—
David Moin,
WWD,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has done a fine job after being thrust into the role in an interim status, even though he hasn’t been named the interim coach during this time.—
Zach Harper,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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Suspended in mid-air, one bird thrusts its sharp beak into the chest of its rival in a fierce display of dominance — reminiscent of a sword piercing through armor.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The referral agent is also voice activated and calls patients to connect them with the right specialists.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2025
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When their neurons were activated by the light, the mice ate much smaller meals.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who once famously tried to shatter those bounds, later came to recognize what impelled Ali.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
17 Jan. 2025
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Threats to current business models from ever-changing market dynamics impel organizations to invest in a culture of continuous learning to ensure employees can tackle incoming changes with confidence and agility.—
Ann Blakely,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Propel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/propel. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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